Installing a rubber safety surface is a big investment that can be expected to last for many years.
But if you don’t keep up with routine maintenance and regular cleanings, you’ll have to replace it sooner rather than later.
Fortunately, this type of surfacing is relatively low maintenance. These 4 tips are ideal for keeping cleaning rubber surfacing and increasing its longevity.
1. Only use recommended supplies--no harsh chemicals
Before you do any type of rubber surface cleaning, make sure you use only recommended equipment and supplies and avoid harsh chemicals. Products like highly concentrated degreasers, chlorine bleach, paint thinner, disinfectant, solvents, and different types of oils should be avoided at all costs.
2. Clear away any isolated stains
All outdoor surfaces will get stained at some point--this is just a fact of life. Fortunately, these isolated stains are easy to clean off of rubber. All it takes is a hose to dampen the area and enough full-strength, all-purpose cleaner to cover the stain entirely.
A coarse scrub brush is the best tool for cleaning stains because it stands up to water and is extremely durable. Depending on how difficult the stain is, the scrubbing process may need to be repeated for a while. This is why it’s critical to remove any stains as soon as you notice them, because they will become even harder to remove over time.
3. Scrub the whole surface
Along with removing individual stains, you’ll want to regularly scrub the entire rubber surface. This process should always be done in either the late evening or early morning to prevent evaporation of the water and cleaner.
For the sake of efficiency, we recommend removing isolated stains and cleaning the entire surface simultaneously. After you’ve removed the stains, follow these instructions to clean the rest of the surface:
- Go one section at a time to ensure full coverage
- Dampen the section with a hose
- Mix together water and the same cleaner you used to remove the stains (see cleaner instructions for the proper proportions)
- Spray the surface with a half-gallon garden pump sprayer
- Scrub it into the rubber
- Hose it off
4. Perform regular upkeep
Your rubber surface should be cleaned at least once a month. Cleaning rubber surfacing can be as simple as passing a broom over the surface--anything to remove loose dirt and debris and prevent stains from occurring.
Keep your rubber surfacing performing and looking great for years to come by trusting Mark Tool with your next project. Our high-quality buffings, high-tech polymer resin binders, colored EPDMs, and rubberized mulch can be utilized in a variety of different environments. Contact Mark Tool today to request a quote!